SPCA welcomes conviction of Cape Town man who threw dog from fourth-floor flat
· The South African
A Cape Town man has been convicted of animal cruelty after throwing a dog from the fourth floor of a block of flats in Belmont Park, bringing to an end a criminal case that spanned more than two years.
Visit asg-reflektory.pl for more information.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA welcomed the conviction of Xzeaan Fortuin, describing it as an important step in holding perpetrators of animal cruelty accountable.
No apparent reason
The incident occurred in May 2024 when City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officers responded to reports that a dog had been deliberately thrown from the fourth floor of a residential building for no apparent reason.
Officers immediately alerted the SPCA, prompting an urgent investigation.
When SPCA inspectors arrived at the scene, they found the dog in severe distress.
The animal was unable to stand or move independently, had visible blood staining, laboured breathing and appeared to be in significant pain, whimpering whenever it was touched.
The dog was rushed for emergency veterinary treatment while the SPCA opened an animal cruelty case in conjunction with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Following numerous court appearances, the matter was finalised on 24 July 2026 when Fortuin was found guilty of animal cruelty.
The court sentenced him to a R10 000 fine or six months’ imprisonment.
However, the sentence was wholly suspended for five years.
He was also declared unfit to own or be in charge of any animal for a period of two years.
No sentence can undo suffering
While welcoming the outcome, the SPCA noted that no sentence could undo the suffering endured by the animal, but said the conviction sends a clear message that deliberate acts of cruelty against animals are criminal offences that will be prosecuted.
The organisation also thanked the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officers for promptly reporting the incident, as well as SAPS for its assistance throughout the investigation and prosecution.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA urged members of the public to report suspected cases of animal cruelty, saying all complaints are treated seriously and investigated by its Inspectorate.
The organisation added that emergencies receive immediate attention, while all reports are handled confidentially.
The SPCA reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable animals and ensuring offenders are brought before the courts.
What’s a fitting punishment for someone who throws a dog from a fourth-floor flat in your opinion?
Let us know by clicking on the comment banner below …